Since its small-scale beginnings in 1977 , the bonsai collecting at Matthaei Botanical Gardens has embarked on a remarkable journeying of expansion and refinement . The collecting bit by bit grew in size and height , blossoming into a distinguished entity that serves as a testament to the passionateness and expertness that has nurtured it over the years .
Now , thanks to the vision and generosity of the University of Michigan Alumnus Dr. Melvyn Goldstein , the collection has grown to become one of the most distinguished in North America . Driven by his commitment to promoting the appreciation of bonsai , Dr. Goldstein made an extraordinary donation of approximately 125 world - class trees to Matthaei Botanical Gardens . This generous talent has transformed the garden into one of the nation ’s premier bonsai collection .
With this talent , the bonsai garden has been rename the Melvyn C. Goldstein Bonsai Garden . This contribution establishes the University of Michigan as a hub for bonsai partizan , offering innocent and public memory access to one of the finest compendium in North America .
preserve the LegacyDr . Melvyn Goldstein ’s passion for bonsai begin almost half a hundred ago . Over the years , he honed his skills and expertise in the artistic production form , specialise in Sutsuki and Shohin form . Driven by his love for bonsai and his deep discernment for the solitaire and artistry required to tame these know sculptures , he amassed one of the finest accumulation in the hemisphere . As he hand his 70s , Dr. Goldstein realized the time had come to ensure the go on care and conservation of his treasured bonsai Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree . He share , “ I ’m at a breaker point in my life where it makes sentience for me to turn over the care of my bonsai to others . I ’m excited about this quislingism as it gives me with child satisfaction to be able to combine helping my alma mater , fostering noesis and appreciation of the bonsai artistic production form I have it away , and also knowing I have a wonderful home for my trees . ” Goldstein adds that his Nipponese azalea teacher always emphasized that we do n’t own Tree . Rather “ we are just ‘ leasing ’ them until we pass them on to others who will stay looking after them . ”
For Dr. Goldstein , the decision to cooperate with his alma mater , the University of Michigan , held profound significance . Beyond the practical considerations , he saw an opportunity to give back and support the institution that play a shaping function in his life . The collaboration also align with his desire to foster knowledge and appreciation of the bonsai art material body . By entrusting his bonsai collecting to Matthaei Botanical Gardens , Dr. Goldstein found great gratification in knowing that his trees would find a nurturing home while further the reason and practice of bonsai .
A Lasting ImpactDr . Melvyn Goldstein ’s remarkable contribution to Matthaei Botanical Gardens cements the initiation ’s status as a premier destination for bonsai enthusiasts and novices likewise . His decision to entrust his olympian collection to Matthaei Botanical Gardens is a testament to his love for the art form and his dedication to its preservation .
Dr. Goldstein ’s collaboration with the university , his dedication to the fine art of bonsai , and his desire to secure the aid of his collection have created a lasting impact on the bonsai community and the University of Michigan . The Melvyn C. Goldstein Bonsai Garden stands as a living bequest , offer visitors an opportunity to treasure the beauty , history , and ethnic significance of bonsai .
author : mbgna.umich.edu
